From the Pastor’s Desk …
At St. James, we are entering the Pentecost season. God’s Spirit is on the loose. Strap in! Perhaps that’s why Annie Dillard once wrote of Christian worship:
“Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? … We should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.”
Sometimes we don’t expect much from God. We figure God-the-Creator went home at 5:00pm, Jesus-the-Savior finished up 2000 years ago, and God-the-Spirit is largely impotent.
But our liturgical readings this season tell a different story. The Spirit has started a fire-storm and all are getting singed. Jesus, at the height of mid-ministry, is teaching and telling stories of an insurgent radical way of loving others. Instead of weapons for the disciples, Jesus is issuing hospitality, peacemaking, and skills in listening, welcoming, praying and rejoicing. While the world sees this as lackluster and feeble, Jesus claims it is “the way, the truth and the life.” Strongman tactics are simply imposters.
This summer, we will celebrate 135 years of feeling the heat of this Spirit’s fire. We call it ministry at St. James and we insist on doing it together. While the world thinks it’s nonsense, we’re lashing ourselves to the pews. Pass the crash helmets.
–Pastor David
Our Partnership with Emanuel Medical Center …
On May 27th, we welcomed five Pastoral Care students as our ministry to the houseless once again became a clinical site for their training. On Tuesdays this summer, they will assist us with our 11:30am food distribution to our unsheltered neighbors, and then spend the afternoon listening and counseling. We are pleased to be part of their Clinical Pastoral Education. We welcome Eric, Bonnie, Shanee, Schuyler, and Teri.
Wine Tasting at St. James …
Retired pastor and St. James member Barry Rogge will again host a special wine-tasting event on Sunday, June 1st after morning worship. This fun event will have both wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Four different wines will be showcased, each with the story of how it’s made. We thank Archery Summit Winery in Dundee for this June gathering.
Wear Red – Pentecost Sunday is June 8th …
The altar will be adorned in red on Pentecost Sunday as we hear of the Spirit of God setting our ministry on fire with love. Join us June 8th as over seven languages will be shared as the cacophony of voices echo the story from Acts, Chapter 2. The good news of God’s inclusive Spirit leaves no one out. Find a red piece of clothing in your closet and join us!
Pack Food Bags for PCC Panther Pantry …
Join the Eco Social Justice Committee on Sunday, June 8th to pack food bags for the Portland Community College Panther Pantry during Open Space. Students and staff from PCC will join us. The funding for this project was made available by the Endowment Committee. An additional way to help would be donating a $25 gift card, used to support students with urgent need. This may include food items, diapers, over the counter medicines, and gasoline. Contact Mandy Ellertson with questions.
New Member Sunday …
On Sunday, July 13th, we will again welcome new members into our St. James family. In March, we received twelve members, and now we look forward to introducing and holding a reception for those who have chosen to make St. James their spiritual home. Please speak with Pastor David if you also would like to join our mutual ministry.
St. James 2025-26 Scholarship Application Now Open …
For the past 25 years, the St. James Scholarship committee has awarded financial scholarships to members pursuing higher education. We are pleased to announce that the scholarship application form for the 2025-26 school year is now open. A PDF copy of the application can be found on this St. James website, under Life at St. James > Education. Please fill it out and send via mail or email to the office by July 15th, 2025. If you would like a hard copy of the application, simply inform the office.
St. James and the Portland Pride Festival …
On the afternoon of Sunday, July 20th, we will join with other Lutheran Churches in Portland to support LGBTQ+ children of God by staffing a booth in Waterfront Park. The “Sacred Space” booth will be a place of acceptance and welcoming as we provide water, a listening ear, a temporary tattoo, and Holy Communion. See Pastor David or Karin Hatch if you would like to serve with us.
The 135th Anniversary Celebration of St. James …
Our Council has formed two task forces to mark this event. The Anniversary Day Task Force has eight member (chaired by Charlotte Cook) and is organizing the Sunday, July 27th Anniversary service, on-site meal, sanctuary lighting improvements, a new worship banner, an updated membership directory, and our $8,000 fundraiser for Lutheran World Relief. The Vision Task Force involves six members (chaired by Cathie Coffman) who will review our current ministry and mission statement, and provide direction for our ministry going forward. Additionally, this task force is forming a visitation team to assist Pastor David in home visits. They will be commissioned on our Anniversary Sunday.
Here’s a quick look at upcoming anniversary events:
- Sunday, July 13th – New Member Welcome and Reception
- Sunday, July 20th – Oregon Synod Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar will preach
- Sunday, July 27th – Anniversary Day Worship and Meal with Guest Preacher: Pastor Robert Neubert
Our 135th Anniversary Gift to Lutheran World Relief …
Our St. James Council has set a fundraising goal of $8,000 by our July 27th anniversary date. We not only celebrate St. James’ Anniversary, but also the 80th Anniversary of Lutheran World Relief (LWR). The money will be distributed to those in need worldwide via Lutheran World Relief as our thanks to God. Please give now and earmark your gift to “St. James” with “LWR Gift” in the memo line. We are well on our way:
- $8,000 – Goal by July 27th
- $5,556 – Gifts and Endowment already given
- $2,444 – Still needed to reach our goal
Pastor Lisa Kipp visited our congregation on May 25th and informed our congregation that with this gift, St. James will have donated $80,000 over the last 23 years to LWR. Thank you for your continuing generosity.
Faithful Giving …
This spring, St. James received a bequest from the estate of David Hoffman and Anna Hazard-Hoffman. David died in 2008 and Anna passed peacefully last November at age 90. Both were active members at St. James. We are grateful for their financial offerings while members and for planning to support St. James after their deaths. Their gifts advance our ministry. Have you included St. James in your end-of-life plans? Please join others in prayerfully considering to do so. If you need help, please talk with St. James bookkeeper Sharon Kurtz or Pastor David. Thank you.
